Whatcom County lifts toxic-algae advisory at Wiser Lake after testing shows reduced levels
Wiser Lake, which has tested for elevated levels of toxic algae in previous years, recently tested below the maximum safe level established by the EPA, Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) announced Friday.
An advisory previously set by the WCHCS for nearby residents to avoid the water has been lifted, including advice to not allow pets to swim in or drink the lake water.
The lake is known for having an elevated level of microcystin, a toxic algae the primarily targets the liver, and causes abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, sore throat, blistering around the mouth and pneumonia, according to the release.
The algae is naturally occurring, but can grow in size from human activity such as runoff of pet waste, nutrients in fertilizer, agricultural runoff and wildlife waste the release said.
Microcystin algae blooms are recurring, and it is likely to soon return to Wiser Lake. Nearby residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for visible algae blooms. The blooms have been reported to look like scum, or streaks/clumps in the water.
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